The Wolverines carried the ball 54 times for 256 yards. Senior runningback Zach Brewer handled a majority of the carries, rushing for 242 yards.

“That’s what we want to do, establish that run first, grind clock,” said NV head coach Steve Shantz. “If we have to, we can throw the ball a little bit.”

Brewer found the end zone from 3 yards out to cap off Nodaway Valley’s first offensive possession in the contest, 7-0.

He came back late in the second quarter to push the Wolverines ahead by another touchdown, but a missed extra point attempt left NV leading Treynor 13-0.

“Their offensive and defensive lines really executed well,” said Treynor head coach Steve Owens. “They had sound technique and they were more physical.”

The Cardinals were able to drive into field goal range with 25 seconds remaining in the first half. Ben Chapin punched it through the uprights to put Treynor on the board before halftime, 13-3.

“It was one of those team defense type things where we wanted to make sure we got the edge taken care of,” Shantz said.

While the ground game was the core of NV’s strategy, quarterback Jackson Lamb was able to connect with TJ Bower and Baley Shantz for drive-saving pass plays.

Bower averaged 21.3 yards per catch and totaled 64 yards. Baley Shantz went for 26 yards and a touchdown grab.

Lamb finished 6-of-9 passing for 114 yards.

“Bower just went up and got them,” Shantz said.

Brewer scored his third and fourth touchdowns of the game in the third and fourth quarters, highlighted by a 48-yard rush to increase the lead to 35-3.

Shantz said the defense did a good job shutting down the Cardinals’ big playmakers, Dane Livengood and Trey Robinson.

Treynor pieced together two touchdown drives. Robinson went 18-yards for a score with 4:12 remaining in the game.

The late scores did not threaten the Wolverine lead, however, and NV earned the 35-16 win.

The Wolverines improved to 4-1 in Class 1A District 8 play this season and 4-3 overall. They face a tough opponent next week, hosting Council Bluff St. Albert, the district leader at 4-0 in the district.

The Falcons are 7-0 this season and they are coming off of a 31-12 victory over Red Oak.

While the top four teams advance to a spot in the playoffs, a win over St. Alberts would give the Wolverines a chance to share or win the district title.